Promoting baby-friendly private hospitals
Its deputy minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang said partnership between the public and private sectors to implement the initiative and support nursing mothers with confidence and respect was a shared responsibility.
'The core objectives of this tour, which is in line with the National Nutrition Policy, include expanding BFHI promotion, ensuring more private hospitals join the movement of nursing mothers, strengthening community support so that nursing mothers do not feel isolated and can confidently nurse their children,' he said at the launch of the initiative here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Such inclusive efforts would ensure the health of both mother and child, and allow more Malaysians to support breastfeeding, he said, adding that 31 private hospitals are participating in the initiative.
'Currently, 31 out of 180 private hospitals have been accredited as BFHI. Congratulations to 20 KPJ Healthcare hospitals for being the hospital consortium with the most accredited hospitals,' he said.
Lukanisman said there are 15 hospitals being in the final stage of training by the National Lactation Centre together with the state Health Department to receive BFHI accreditation while 65 hospitals are in the process of initial training.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Covid-19 fears prompt mass screening at Thai prison
KOTA BARU: Following a recent outbreak in Thailand, nearly 4,000 family members of Narathiwat prison inmates, including some from Malaysia, were screened for Covid-19 to prevent the spread of the virus within the correctional facility. The prison's Prisoner Development Division director Somsak Paddeang said the five-day mass screening programme, which began on July 21 and concluded yesterday, was held within the prison compound. "The screenings are a preventive measure following the rise in Covid-19 cases in Thailand. "We want to protect the health of the inmates and staff," he added. According to Somsak, the swab tests were conducted by nearly 10 prison officers with assistance from district health personnel. He said visitors who displayed symptoms or tested positive were immediately barred from entering the prison premises. "This proactive step is vital to stop any potential outbreak among the inmates," he said. Somsak added that all visitors, including Malaysians, were allowed to visit the inmates only after testing negative for Covid-19. According to Thailand's Department of Medical Sciences, the country has so far recorded 23 cases of the new Covid-19 strain XFG. Thailand's Department of Disease Control (DDC) reported on Covid-19 situation that Bangkok continues to have the highest number of daily cases, with the nationwide total reaching 439,527 confirmed cases for the year. As of June 11, a total of 7,527 new cases were reported, including 7,164 outpatients and 363 hospitalized patients. This brings the total number of cases since Jan 1, 2025, to 439,527. Additionally, 6 new deaths were reported, bringing the total number of fatalities since the beginning of the year to 130.
The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
Northern region blood centre to complete mid-October, Ahmad says
SUNGAI PETANI: The Northern Region Blood Centre is on track for completion by mid-October, according to Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan. The RM49.866 million project, supervised by the Kedah Public Works Department (JKR), began construction on August 2, 2021. Ahmad stated that the facility will include a main blood centre block, mechanical and electrical sections, parking spaces, a cafeteria, and a guardhouse. 'The physical progress has reached 93 per cent, with no major issues reported,' he said after inspecting the site. The centre will feature a modern laboratory, donor-friendly rooms, and an integrated logistics system to ensure safe and sufficient blood supply. It will serve Kedah, Perlis, Penang, and northern Perak, centralising blood collection, processing, and storage. 'Previously, blood was stored only in hospitals, many of which lacked sufficient space,' Ahmad explained. The new facility will house 20 donor beds and store blood at minus 40 degrees Celsius after screening and verification. - Bernama
The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia fast-tracks 4,352 healthcare jobs to address shortages
KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry (MOH) is expediting the recruitment process to fill 4,352 vacancies in the healthcare sector to address urgent staffing needs. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced the move following discussions at a recent Cabinet meeting. 'I have emphasised and instructed the MOH secretary-general and Health director-general to fast-track the recruitment process rather than following the conventional approach,' he said after officiating the Annual Scientific Meeting and 55th Annual General Meeting of the Malaysian Society of Radiographers. Dzulkefly also highlighted the importance of registration for healthcare practitioners under the Allied Health Professions Act 2016 (Act 774). He urged all professionals to complete their official registration and obtain the Annual Practising Certificate (APC) before December 31, 2026. MOH Allied Health Sciences Division director L. Mageswary warned that unregistered practitioners or those working without a valid APC could face legal consequences. 'Anyone employing unregistered individuals to carry out duties as allied health professionals is committing an offence,' she said. Penalties include fines up to RM50,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both. For corporate bodies, fines may reach RM100,000, with additional daily penalties for continuing violations. - Bernama
